On May 7, members of VFW Post 7909 hosted its first National Day of Prayer observance at the historic Chapel of the High-Speed Pass located at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum in Jacksonville, Florida.
More than just a ceremony, the event served as the Post’s VFW Day of Service project — bringing together more than 100 veterans, first responders, clergy, community leaders, and citizens for a morning focused on unity, remembrance, and support for one another.
Members of VFW Post 7909 and speakers pose during the Post’s National Day of Prayer observance on May 7 at the historic Chapel of the High-Speed Pass at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo courtesy of Ty Strong.“One of the most important reasons for a VFW Post to participate in events like this is that the Post needs to be seen and heard in the community,” said VFW Post 7909 Chaplain Ty Strong. “For too long, some people have viewed the VFW as just a smoke-filled bar where veterans gather to tell stories. That perception is outdated and does not reflect who we truly are. In fact, that misconception is one reason I did not join for many years myself.”
The ceremony opened with remarks from former VFW Department of Florida commander Mac McLucas, as well as an invocation delivered by American Legion Post 137 Chaplain Patricia Patrick. Music was provided by Lindsey Denmark, whose performance of the National Anthem helped set a patriotic and reverent tone for the morning.
Featured speakers and presenters included Chaplain Terry Melton, pastors Grace Hambrick and Greg Farah, as well as Ron Armstrong of Grounds to Grace, a faith-based, non-profit coffee ministry in Jacksonville that empowers local youth through job training and mentorship.
A representative of Congressman Aaron Bean (Fla.-04), as well as Navy veteran Elizabeth Carrington and Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer Chris Brown offered additional remarks each. The keynote speech was then delivered by Orange Park High School Principal Ivin J. Gunter, who urged attendees to keep investing in faith, leadership and community involvement.
A portion of the event centered around the Missing Man Pew, which honors those still missing in action, reminding attendees that America must never forget those who have not yet returned home.
The ceremony also recognized the sacrifices made daily by military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders and their families.
During remarks honoring veterans and first responders, Strong reminded attendees that service is rooted in commitment, not in recognition, stating, “We didn’t serve because we were forced to — we served because we believed in something greater than ourselves.”
As part of the VFW Day of Service mission, members of Post 7909 welcomed attendees to learn more about veteran support programs, community outreach opportunities, the VFW Auxiliary and the Navy Wives Clubs of America. Guests were encouraged to continue serving their communities through volunteerism, mentorship, and support of local veterans and military families.
The event concluded with fellowship, refreshments, and an invitation for attendees to tour the POW/MIA Museum and learn more about the ongoing mission to account for America’s missing service members.
During the National Day of Prayer observance, Post 7909 leadership emphasized that the VFW Day of Service aims to do more than complete projects: it seeks to foster community engagement, promote unity, and honor military service.
“The mission does not end when we leave active duty,” Strong said. “Service simply takes a different form. Whether it is helping another veteran, supporting a student through Patriots’ Pen or Voice of Democracy, recognizing a teacher or police officer, or simply being present in the community, we continue to live out the values we learned in uniform.”
This article is featured in the 2026 May issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.